Living a More Purposeful Life One Cent at a Time

passion

It started with a plunger. A few days into the new year, I noticed our guest toilet was draining a little slowly. Considering the previous owners thought nothing of using the heating vents, the gas fireplace, and the bathroom sinks as garbage disposals, this fact didn’t really surprise me. In fact, like any former Girl … [Read more…]

Today, the best full-time job I’ve ever had is ending. Don’t get me wrong. I’m going back to a pretty fantastic one. But as I pull out of our driveway and say goodbye to my maternity leave, I can’t help but think about the sixteen-pound drooling baby bossman who made that job so wonderful. I’ve … [Read more…]

There’s no shortage of people doling out advice on the interwebs. In fact, there’s no shortage of advice on this very blog. While I’m long been a proponent of the fact that there’s nothing one-size-fits-all about personal finance, this is the first time I’m going to say something so explicitly. I hope you ignore me—and … [Read more…]

Why do we make the decisions that we make? What motivates us? I’m a firm believer that people’s passions are just as varied and unique as people themselves. But when I think about my own motives for why I do what I do, they can really be boiled down to three simple reasons.

“Oh, dear. Bread and beer. If I were rich, I wouldn’t be here.” My grandma used to singsong this jingle when I was little. I would eagerly ask her where she would be. She was always quick to lock her fingers in mine and return a reminder that we could go wherever I wanted. Now … [Read more…]

To the people who say not to make your work your passion*, you’re right. Your approach is far more strategic and systematic. You will reach financial independence much faster pursuing a six-figure career than I will figuring out why teenagers are still tempted to cover their arms in glue whenever we create posters. You will … [Read more…]